Darts sensation Phil Taylor is determined to win back his number one ranking after being crowned the 2002 Skol World Champion in Purfleet on Saturday night, writes GAVIN WORLEY.

'The Power' went into the tournament as the world number two behind Alan Warriner, but his 7-0 thrashing of Peter Manley at the Circus Tavern was still not enough to clinch top spot.

However, Taylor's victory helped him secure his 10th world title and a cheque for #50,000.

The Stoke thrower also walked away with an extra #1,000 for the highest checkout of the tournament - 167 against Shayne Burgess in the second round.

But Taylor is already looking ahead and wants the number one spot to back up his latest success.

He said: "It's back to normality for me now. Back doing exhibitions and playing on the circuit.

"My ambition now is to get my number one spot back. I'm heading for Eastbourne, which if I win that will put me back on top."

Meanwhile, Taylor insists it would be fantastic for the sport if mentor Eric Bristow could once again qualify for a major tournament.

Five-time world champion Bristow, known as the 'Crafty Cockney', is still loved by the British public and has massive support wherever he goes. He missed out on a place at the World Championship after failing to win the qualifying tournament in Birmingham in early December.

But Taylor, who speaks regularly to the man who helped him reach the top, believes Bristow can still compete with the best.

He said: "I think he can qualify and he won't give in. He's got to stop the exhibition work and get back on the practice board.

"There is no doubt about it that if Eric had been in the final it would have been closer than it was last night.

"He still believes that he is the only one who can get up there and give me a decent game - and I think he's right."